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Cybergoose
Matt grew up in a family where art and music was the norm. He cites his big brother John, a folk singer who went by the name John III, as an early influence. His father is an
artist, and one sister is an author, now living in London, England.Matt says he made life difficult for teachers who had to listen to his constant drumming on text books in elementary school. "In fact, Mrs. Clark, my fourth grade social studies teacher, recommended I get a set of drums," Matt remembers.
At 14 years old, Matt had his first set of drums, and formed a band in junior high school called The Town Criers. He lists his biggest musical influence as the Beatles.
Matt played honky tonk for several years in the early 70's in Colorado. He also played with his brother for a while in a band called "Hot Uncle Cider". Then in 1977 fate stepped in, and a friend introduced him to Charlie Gearheart. At the time, Charlie was producing a band in Washington called "Future Pastures." Matt moved to Washington and started playing in the band. In 1979 Matt formed a band called Scargill with a former Goose Creek guitarist. Throughout this time period Matt also played in jam sessions with Charlie, and in 1984 he started playing with Charlie in Arizona. He has been playing drums for Goose Creek Symphony ever since.
Matt moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1994. He and his wife Karen have four children, three girls and a boy. They share the house with a dog and two cats. In his spare time, Matt says he likes to "tinker." He says, "Charlie once said in response to someone who wondered what to buy me for a birthday present, 'Get him something broken!'" Matt certainly makes sure that Goose Creek Symphony runs just fine.
Matt lists his drumming influences as Ringo Starr, and big band drummer Gene Krupa, whom he credits with moving drums into a more up-front position in bands.